Objects: Anterior cervical plating decreases the risk of pseudarthrosis, increases rate of fusion following anterior
cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF). Dysphagia is a common complication of ACDF, with the anterior plate
implicated as a potential contributor. A zero-prole, stand-alone interbody spacer has been postulated to minimize soft-tissue irritation and
postoperative dysphagia, but studies are limited. We are reporting our ndings in term of clinico-radiological outcomes following the use of such
devices in the treatment of cervical spine degenerative diseases with a focus on the course of postoperative prevertebral soft-tissue thickness and
the incidence of dysphagia. The authors conducted a prospective analysis of all Methods: patients who had undergone ACDF between
December 2018 and December 2019. All patients received a Zero-P implant (DePuy Synthes Spine).The Neck Disability Index (NDI),Modied
Japanese Orthopaedic Association Score(mJOA) and visual analog scale (VAS) scores for arm and neck pain were documented. Dysphagia was
determined using the Bazaz criteria. Prevertebral soft-tissue thickness, spinal alignment, intervertebral disc height were assessed as well. The
nal outcome was assessed with Odom's criteria. Total 30 patients Results: were studied prospectively, and data were collected and analyzed. 17
male and 13 female consecutive patients, with a mean age of 48.28 ± 8.17 years, underwent ACDF with Zero-Prole spacer (42 total operated
levels) in the dened study period. There were signicant improvements in neck and arm VAS scores, the NDI and mJOA scores following
surgery at last follow up. The neck VAS score improved from a mean 7.34 ±1.87 to 1.04 ± 0.09 (p<0.01) . The arm VAS score improved from
7.22±2.03 to1.03±0.10 at latest follow up. NDI score improved signicantly from preoperative 31.94±6.73 to 12.87±5.24 and mJOAscore
improved from preoperative 9.53±1.98 to 15.6±1.26 at last follow up. Immediate postoperative dysphagia was experienced by 36.67% of all
patients. Complete resolution of dysphagia was demonstrated at the latest follow-up. Prevertebral soft-tissue thickness at postoperative 48 hrs
decreased across all levels from a mean of 15.87 ±0.69 to 11.81 ± 0.53 mm at last follow up. Cervical alignment and intervertebral disc height
were also improved signicantly after surgery. Radiographic fusion was achieved in 100% of implants. No correlation was found between
prevertebral soft-tissue thickness and Bazaz dysphagia score. Majority of the patients had excellent outcomes in odom's criteria. Conclusions:
Zero-Prole device is a safe and effective alternative for the treatment of cervical degenerative diseases. Chronic dysphagia rates are comparable
to or better than those for previously published case series.